Ayurvedic Self-Massage

Ayurvedic Self-Massage

Massage. When we hear that word, many of us picture a luxurious spa treatment reserved for special occasions. In  , however, the practice of abhyanga (  massage with oil) is recommended daily. Fortunately, there is a more accessible alternative to professional massage therapy when it comes to enjoying the nourishing benefits of abhyanga every day—massaging yourself.

Oil massage may sound like a messy and complicated process best left to the spa, but once you've learned the basics, self-massage with oil starts to become second-nature and well worth the effort. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of abhyanga, which oils to use, and how you can tailor your self-massage practice to balance each  . If you don't yet know your own unique Ayurvedic body type and current state of balance, take our free dosha quiz to learn more about what type of massage will most benefit you.

In this article:

Why Is Massage Recommended in Ayurveda?

The act of massage itself melts away tension and stress from the muscles. Ayurveda believes that these inherent Ayurvedic massage benefits are further enhanced with the addition of an Ayurvedic massage oil. Health benefits from implementing a daily oil rub into your morning or evening routine include:

  • Musculoskeletal and nervous system health
  • Proper circulation and lymph drainage
  • Improved sleep patterns
  • Softer, stronger skin
  • Healthy vision
  • Graceful aging
  • Lustrous hair
  • Firm, strong limbs
  • Tone and vigor for the body's tissues
  • Increased longevity
  • Nourishment for the whole body

In Sanskrit, the word  can be translated as both “oil” and “love.” So in Ayurveda, there is an inherent connection between enveloping the body in oil and enveloping it in love. Both experiences can give a deep feeling of stability, warmth, and comfort. Sneha—oil and love—is sukshma, or “subtle.” This allows it to pass through minute  in the body and penetrate deep layers of tissue (  ).

 

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